History of the Bong Bridge and Richard Ira Bong in Superior, Wisconsin

Major Richard Ira Bong, the most decorated pilot of World War II. From the small town of Poplar, Wisconsin, about 20 miles east of Superior. The Ace of Ace's received the Medal of Honor for continuing to fly missions in the Pacific after compiling 27 kills. Though no longer required to fly in combat, he chose to continue amassing a total of 40 kills, at which time he was presented the Medal of Honor from General Douglas MacArthur. Major Bong was sent home for good in January 1945, marrying his sweet heart Marge shortly there after. Unfortunately there time together was rather short as Major Bong died on August 6, 1945 shortly after taking off in a P-80A Shooting Star jet fighter.

For many years the only home town memorial to this great American, was a P-38, the plane he flew in the Pacific Theater during the war. Mounted on a pedestal in the yard of the Poplar school which he attended as a child.

The Bong Bridge, a span of slightly under 12,000 ft, opened on October 25th, 1985. The newest bridge to connect Superior and Duluth, it replaced the old wooden Arrowhead Bridge. An interesting fact, the center section of the bridge contains Japanese steel, the country Major Bong flew against during the war.

On January 27, 2005 a 16 vehicle pile up including semi trucks and cars caused the death of one very young child and serious injury to 10 others. The bridge was obscured by a heavy fog over just a small portion of the bridge. It was like driving into a wall of white, absolutely instant white our conditions. One person panicked and stopped and the chain reaction ensued.

September 24, 2002 the Richard Ira Bong World War II Heritage Center opened the public in Superior Wisconsin. Included in the hangar shaped museum is a P-38 Lightning restored by the Minnesota National Guard. Work on the plane started in 1994 and was completed for this museum.

As you cross the Bong Bridge think about some of the antics Major Bong was noted for, flying under the Golden Gate Bridge. It has been said, though not confirmed that he also flew under the span of the Aerial Lift Bridge over the Duluth Canal. Continue straight across Superior on Hwy 2, toward Barker's Island and you will almost run directly into the Bong Heritage Center.

After you visit the Bong Heritage Center take the road down onto Barker's Island. The only remaining Whale Back ship in the world is located there in permanent dry dock. A note worthy museum, it will give you a peek into shipping of years gone by.

There is a huge marina there as well, you can see many beautiful boats, have lunch at the restaurant, or maybe take a harbor tour on the Vista Queen. The harbor tour is a must do. Two hours long, you will see the iron ore docks loading taconite into the holds of huge 1,000' long Laker's (Ore Carrier's).

For more information on Richard Ira Bong and the Bong Bridge go to: WWW.Wikipedia.org